Praha/Prague recommended

Like any major tourist destination, Prague is overflowing with Irish bars of all shapes and sizes. They are not, however, all the same. This whistle-stop tour of Irish Prague should help you stumble your way around some of the "classier" establishments in the Czech capital.

O'CHE's


A few minute's walk from the tourist meccas of Charles bridge and the Old Town Square, on the charming winding street of Liliova (Old Town) is one of the world's most eccentric Irish themed drinking dens.

Think "Cork meets Castro" and this friendly Eire-Cuban adventure almost makes sense. With friendly native staff and quirky decor this haven from the tourist trail instantly becomes appealing any time of the day.

This bar really comes alive when there is sport to be shown, and with numerous screens showing both Czech and English language events, even the most die-hard fan will struggle to decide what to watch.

But if you can't decide, don't worry too much, because unlike a lot of Irish bars in Prague, the prices reflect the rest of the country, so you won't have to pay more than 35kč (€1.2) for a pint of Gambrinus (A hidden Czech gem).

An example of how Irish bars should be, the first stop for any homesick sportsfan and a cheap alternative to Prague's expensive reputation ...

9/10

O'Che's Bar | Liliova 14, Prague 1, 11000 Czech Republic | Tel: +420 222 221 178

http://www.oches.com

Karlovy Vary Part 2

Restaurace Irish Pub at Rockling Horse

A few hundred yards from Karlovy Vary's main bus station station, in one of the city's main nightlife hotspots lies the Irish Pub. Down its well-worn steps lies a perfectly decent attempt at all things oirish. A tasty, well-priced local stout (Kelt) is the pick of the finds, and amidst the various ploughs and other such Irish-bar essentials, it goes down as easily as it's more famous inspiration. A fair-sized pool table and an always-free fusbal mean that even the very novel (read grumpy) approach to table service can be forgotten.

It's only open 'till 1am but it's a grand place to start an evening, or finish an afternoon. With prices around 25K č (1€) even the longest of liquid lunches won't break the bank. A bar that gets lively with locals, not very Irish but still fun

6/10

Bělehradská 966/5, 360 01 Karlovy Vary
+420 353 229 652

Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

The spa town of Karlovy Vary in the west of the Czech Republic has not one but two Irish bars, each of them offering a decent if not at all Irish experience!

Irish Pub Racek

Nestled in the rough and ready location of Růžák about 10mins walk from the town centre, this is one of the least expat-ish pubs you're every likely to find. Its requisite signpost based old-fashioned decor hint at a hibernian theme, but don't go expecting anything akin to a hundred thousand welcomes. Still, with local beer at 20kč a pint (0.8€) it doesn't really matter! A word of warning though, the "disco" above should probably be avoided by anyone over the age of 14.

A fine place to spend an evening with cheap and well stored local beer. It's open from midday till (very) late, but unfortunately it's about as Irish as Tony Cascarino...

3/10

Sedlecká 759/1, 360 10 Karlovy Vary-Rybáře
+420 353 449 044

Fáilte Isteach!

Dia duit a chairde,

This page aims to offer an independent and at times incoherent insight into the varied world of foreign Irish bars. Anyone who's ever flow Ryanair on the cheap will be aware that the price and quality of 'oirish' bars abroad can be downright baffling. We here at 'Celt Abroad' will try and sort that out for you...

... after all with a pint of stout in Dublin topping the 8€ mark, it may be time to look further afield!